A good man may not have done all things ably and well; and it is certainly no small mistake to estimate his character by the current value of his copy-rights.

Criticism may destroy the reputation of a book, and not be inconsistent with a cordial respect for the private worth of its author.

The reader will not be likely to be displeased with what is to be stated in this chapter, if he can believe, that no man's merit as a writer, may well be enhanced by ascribing to him that which he himself, for the protection of his own honour, has been constrained to disclaim.

He cannot suppose that too much is alleged, if he will admit that a grammarian's fame should be thought safe enough in his _own keeping_.

Are authors apt to undervalue their own performances?
Or because proprietors and publishers may profit by the credit of a book, shall it be thought illiberal to criticise it?
Is the author himself to be disbelieved, that the extravagant praises bestowed upon him may be justified?
"Superlative commendation," says Dillwyn, "is near akin to _detraction_." (See his _Reflections_, p.